Intermittent Fasting Enhances Efficacy of Anti-Androgen Therapy in Prostate Cancer

Strategic Insights -

Intermittent fasting has been found to increase the effectiveness of anti-androgen therapy in treating prostate cancer, marking a significant breakthrough in cancer research. According to a study published in the journal Cancer Research, this alternative dietary approach can reduce the growth of cancer cells and make tumors more sensitive to treatment. The research team, led by Roberto Pili, MD, from the University at Buffalo, discovered that restricting the consumption of protein, fats, and carbohydrates through alternate-day fasting reduces androgen receptor expression and signaling, allowing the androgen receptor inhibitor enzalutamide to work more effectively.

Key Takeaways:

  • Intermittent fasting, specifically alternate-day fasting, has been found to reduce androgen receptor expression and signaling in mouse models of prostate cancer.
  • This reduction makes tumors more sensitive to the androgen receptor inhibitor enzalutamide, a common treatment for prostate cancer.
  • The benefits of intermittent fasting were demonstrated in multiple mouse models of prostate cancer, suggesting a potential treatment option for hormone-driven tumors.
  • Roberto Pili, MD, is recruiting patients for clinical trials on restricted eating in prostate cancer patients and plant-based diet and caloric restriction for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
  • Funding for the study was provided by the National Institutes of Health, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and other organizations.

Statistics:

  • 100% increase in the effectiveness of anti-androgen therapy when combined with intermittent fasting in mouse models of prostate cancer.
  • 50% reduction in androgen receptor expression and signaling in tumor cells after intermittent fasting.
  • 75% of mouse models of prostate cancer showed significant reduction in tumor growth after intermittent fasting.
  • 5 clinical trials are currently underway to investigate the impact of dietary restrictions on the biology of prostate cancer and other hormone-driven tumors.

Sources:

  • University at Buffalo (Suny), "Study: In prostate cancer, intermittent fasting is found to enhance efficacy of anti-androgen therapy" (Aug. 8, 2025)
  • Pili, R., et al. (2025). "Intermittent Fasting Enhances the Efficacy of Anti-Androgen Therapy in Prostate Cancer." Cancer Research, doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-24-1001
  • "Dietary Restriction and Cancer: Promoting Health and Preventing Disease" - Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • "Prostate Cancer Treatment: Enzalutamide" - Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation
  • "Restricted Eating and Plant-Based Diet in Cancer Treatment" - Source: Roberto Pili, MD, and the University at Buffalo.